SOURCE TELEGRAPH: E.On UK energy supply profits leap 26% to £296m
The German-owned electricity and gas supplier says cold weather and cost-cutting boosted its UK supply profits. But it immediately faced criticism from Labour politicians for the "out of order" profit increase, which followed a 9% price hike for consumers at the start of 2013. E.On's pre-tax profit margin almost doubled, from 2.3% in 2012 to 4% last year. All the “Big 6” energy suppliers have faced huge criticism of their profits and price rises. Tony Cocker, E.On UK chief executive, defended the supply profit increase, but reiterated calls for regulator Ofgem to refer the energy sector for a full competition inquiry. "The questions that still hang over the sector show more than ever that now is the time for a full Competition Commission Investigation," he said.

SOURCE TELEGRAPH: Energy row erupts as winter deaths spiral 29% to four year high of 31,000
Office of National Statistics figures revealed "excess winter deaths" rose 29% in 2012-2013 to their highest level for four years. Mortality always rises in winter, but one in five of these deaths are because people cannot afford to heat their homes. Campaigners said Ministers talking about cutting green levies should be "ashamed" at the figure, which is worse than Sweden and Finland.